The President of the Socialist Republic is elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term and acts as the commander-in-chief of the Vietnam People's Armed Forces and Chairman of the Council for Defence and Security. The government as the main executive state power of Vietnam comprises the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers heading ministries and ministerial equivalent bodies. Executive power is exercised by the government and the President of Vietnam. The executive branch is responsible for the implementation of political, economic, cultural, social, defence, security and external activities of the State. The National Assembly has 500 members, representing 63 cities and provinces in Vietnam, elected by popular vote to serve a five-year term. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly of Vietnam. The Judiciary is independent of the executive.